D V R P C NEWS THE NEWSLETTER OF DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION DVRPC ADOPTS PLAN FOR REGION’S FUTURE

he DVRPC Board adopted the Destination 2030 Long Range Plan, its vision for the future, at its T June, 2005 Board meeting. DVRPC’s designation as the Metropolitan need to reduce congestion as the most The diversity of communities in the Planning Organization (MPO) for the important transportation issue in our Delaware Valley are represented by the region and the requirements of the region at the present time. The most Core Cities of Philadelphia, Camden, Transportation Equity Act for the 21st important environmental issue for the Trenton and Chester; Developed Century (TEA-21) have given the future was open-space preservation, cited Communities including the inner ring Commission an expanded and stronger by 36% of respondents. Other survey older suburbs and scattered boroughs; role in planning to link transportation, questions dealt with housing issues and Growing Suburbs that now represent the land use, and the environment.The managing future development of the face of suburban sprawl; and Rural Areas, Long Range Plan ties together those region. where farming and agriculture still provide three components, and also addresses a unique character and quality of life. For bicycle/pedestrian needs, aviation issues, each of these areas, specific policies of goods movement, and intelligent trans- “The Year 2030 Plan presents redevelopment and renewal, stabilization portation operations. an integrated land use and and revitalization, growth management In preparation for the update of the and urban design, and land preservation transportation vision for the Long Range Plan, DVRPC contracted and limited development guide the with The Ivy Group to develop and imple- Delaware Valley.” ment a telephone survey of the residents (story cont. on page 2) of the nine-county, two-state region. The Year 2030 Plan presents an integrat- The survey solicited public opinion ed land use and transportation vision for IN THE SUMMER 2005 ISSUE: regarding land use, transportation and the Delaware Valley. By the year 2030, ▼ AIR QUALITY PARTNERSHIP KICKS OFF environmental issues that affect the regional forecasts predict almost 700,000 10TH OZONE SEASON 3 region. DVRPC found that some results new people and almost 500,000 new jobs. ▼ COMMUTER BENEFIT PROGRAM HITS $100 MILLION DOLLAR MARK 3 compare favorably to the results from the If current land use development trends year 2000 Census, such as 74% of the 675 continue, this future growth would con- ▼ COMMISSION SELECTS HOME TOWN STREETS 4 AND SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROJECTS respondents drive alone to their place of sume an additional 250,000 acres of land. employment, 9% take the train or bus, ▼ DVRPC TO STUDY POTENTIAL NORTHEAST However, by directing a small amount of CORRIDOR AIR SERVICE DEMAND AT SMALL 10% walk, bike, or work at home, and 6% new growth as infill to existing communi- COMMERCIAL AIRPORTS 4 drive with others. A majority of the survey ties and modestly increasing the net ▼ DVRPC FUNDS OVER $1.1 BILLION IN questions dealt with transportation issues, density of new development, all of the TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS 5 such as funding and improvements to the forecasted growth could be accommodated ▼ DVRPC BOARD ELECTS OFFICERS FOR FY 2006 6 system. 42% of all respondents cited the in just 110,000 acres.

1 •PLAN FOR REGION’S FUTURE… (cont. from pg. 1) • operations of our highway and transit The Destination 2030 Long Range Plan transportation investments of the plan. “ facilities by incorporating Intelligent The Destination 2030 Long Range Plan assumes that over $57 billion, split Transportation System (ITS) elements. assumes that over $57 billion, split almost almost evenly between highway DVRPC opened a public comment evenly between highway and transit and transit projects, will be available period from May 2 to June 2, 2005, to projects, will be available for transporta- for transportation projects provide citizens with an opportunity to tion projects over the life of the Plan. over the life of the Plan.” comment on the Plan, as well as on the The Destination 2030 Plan adopts a FY 2006 TIP for New Jersey, and on “Fix It First” policy that allocates the change, reconstructing and/or widening Air Quality Conformity. Information majority of anticipated funding to rebuild- several portions of US 202, and separate was mailed to well over 3,000 groups ing the region’s transportation infrastruc- projects to add missing movements and and individuals and copies of all ture. Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey provide a direct connection for I-295 in materials were available for review at Departments of Transportation have the vicinity of the NJ 42 Freeway. On the numerous libraries throughout the adopted a similar stance. The Long Range transit side, major initiatives include the Delaware Valley, as well as DVRPC’s Plan also identifies over 100 major, Schuylkill Valley Metro/R6 Extension, library and on the DVRPC website regionally-significant highway and transit Route 100 Spur to King of Prussia, (www.dvrpc.org). projects. Major highway projects include new rail lines to Quakertown and Public meetings were held at the the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-95 inter- Gloucester County, and a Bus Rapid American College of Physicians Transit service to Building in Philadelphia, the Four serve the US 1 Seasons Banquet Hall in Norristown, HOW DO YOU COMMUTE TO WORK? corridor in central PA, and at the Vogelson Branch — 80 New Jersey. 70 Camden County Library in Voorhees, 60 Additionally over NJ. Individual and organizational 50 half a billion dollars comments played a role 40 has been allocated to in the final version of the Plan that was Percent 30 Regional Census improve the adopted by DVRPC’s Board. 20 10 0 Drive Alone Drive With Take Bus or Walk, Bike or Other Train Work at Home VISIT DVRPC AT ITS NEW LOCATION!

WHAT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE DO YOU FEEL IS MOST DVRPC recently moved into new offices at the ABOVE_In preparation for the IMPORTANT TO THE REGION’S FUTURE? American College of Physicians (ACP) Building at update of the Long Range Plan, 40 6th and Race Streets in historic Philadelphia. The DVRPC implemented a survey 35

Camden new offices were officially opened on May 9, 2005. soliciting public opinion. Survey 30 results compare favorably to 25 DVRPC now occupies the entire 8th floor of the ACP the results from the year 2000 20 building and a portion of the seventh.

Census, such as 74% of the Percent 15

Philadelphia 675 respondents drive alone 10 The DVRPC staff looks forward to welcoming to their place of employment. 5 Clean/Reuse all planning partners to the new offices, 0 Improve Improve Air RIGHT_The most important Open Space/ Quality Contaminated Water Quality Sites and greatly appreciates your patience during environmental issue for the Farmland this period of transition. future is open space Preservation preservation, cited by 36% of respondents.

2 AIR QUALITY PARTNERSHIP KICKS OFF 10TH OZONE SEASON The Air Quality Partnership also fore- t’s summer and once again we can “The Air Quality Partnership’s Ozone look forward to hot weather, hazy casts for particle pollution, tiny drops of Action Season provides summertime days, and the persistent problem liquid or small particles that float in the of poor air quality. However, the ground-level ozone forecasts and encourages air. Particle pollution is most common I voluntary actions to reduce pollution.” Air Quality Partnership is on top of the during winter months and comes from problem with its Air Quality Action a variety of sources such as cars, wood Program. A project of DVRPC, the Air the U.S. Department of Health and Human stoves, factories, construction sites, forest Quality Partnership is a coalition of Services, Thomas Jefferson University, the fires, and waste incinerators. business, government and environmental Asthma Allergy Foundation of America, Other outreach plans for the upcoming groups, from Delaware, New Jersey and SEPTA, Clean Air Council, and the U.S. year include sponsorship of the Camden Pennsylvania, that work collaboratively EPA, recognized regional initiatives to Riversharks and Trenton Thunder minor to inform the public of ways in which to improve air quality. league baseball teams; information booths improve the region’s air quality. The Air Quality Partnership’s Ozone at community and regional events; and a The region’s 10th Ozone Action season Action Season, which runs from May- focus on increasing member involvement. kicked off in May 2005 with an event at September, provides summertime ground- For more information about ozone, the Shops at Liberty Place, hosted by the level ozone forecasts and encourages particle pollution and the Air Quality Air Quality Partnership and the U.S. voluntary actions to reduce pollution. Partnership, visit www.airqualitypartnership.org. Environmental Protection Agency. The Currently, the Delaware Valley does not event, which also celebrated Asthma meet the federal air quality standards for Awareness Month, offered educational ground-level ozone. In the summer, sun- information about air quality and asthma, light and high temperatures “bake” pollu- and other giveaways to the public. tants emitted by motor vehicles, power Representatives from several groups plants, industrial manufacturing and other including the American Lung Association, sources to form high levels of ground-level the City of Philadelphia Health Department, ozone, commonly known as smog. COMMUTER BENEFIT PROGRAM HITS $100 MILLION

DOLLAR MARK on transit. It saves employers and com- “The $100 million mark is significant muters money because the program takes for several reasons, not the least of which fter more than a decade of advantage of federal legislation that is that this money goes right back into our promoting the benefits of allows tax-free dollars to pay for transit transit systems, attracting new riders and using public transit, the fares. As a result, tens of thousands of area retaining current riders,” said Stacy Bartels, Philadelphia region’s premier commuters are enjoying tax breaks of up Manager, DVRPC Office of Marketing and A ® commuter benefit program,TransitChek , Commuter Services. “This benefit gives has attained the significant achievement “The $100 million mark is significant commuters and their employers a signifi- of reaching $100 million in sales. At the …this money goes right back into our cant tax break, while helping to manage traffic congestion and improve air quality present time, 670 companies and between transit systems.” 20,000 and 25,000 employees participate in our region,” she went on to say. in the program. to $400 dollars per year, just for taking For further information on TransitChek, Created by DVRPC in 1991,TransitChek public transit. Employers can also realize call1-800-355-5000 or visit www.gettransitchek.org. is a program that employers can offer to significant savings on FICA-related taxes their employees to help pay for commuting for each participating employee.

3 COMMISSION TO SELECT HOME TOWN STREETS AND SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROJECTS aking communities safer, role in building better communities by Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia more walkable, and more helping to enhance revitalization efforts and counties and include a wide range of aware of pedestrian and ensure safe walking and biking routes to streetscape and walkway improvements. M bicyclist needs is a worthy schools. Projects encompass Bucks, Chester, PennDOT will be combining the cause. As part of Governor Ed Rendell’s application and selection process of the TE, commitment to reviving communities, the HTS, and SRS programs for the 2005-2006 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania continues round of competition. It will require all of our to provide a comprehensive plan to retain efforts to successfully complete these and create new jobs, and reclaim treasured important projects; DVRPC is committed to resources for a better quality of life. The helping you through the process. To this end, Transportation Enhancements (TE), the DVRPC, which administers these programs Home Town Streets (HTS) and the Safe for PennDOT, has scheduled several free Routes to School (SRS) programs are based workshops to assist you with the programs and on this initiative. These programs provide application process. Workshop dates and the opportunity to revive our downtowns, locations are available on-line at enhance the quality of life of citizens across www.dvrpc.org/transportation/capital/hts_srs/workshops.htm the Commonwealth, and attract the The application deadline for this round of companies and industries we need in programs is September 30, 2005. Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania For more information about Home Town Streets Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Safe Routes to School programs, visit embraces the programs as a key part of its www.dvrpc.org/transportation/capital/hts_srs.htm. DVRPC TO STUDY POTENTIAL NORTHEAST CORRIDOR AIR SERVICE DEMAND AT SMALL COMMERCIAL AIRPORTS VRPC has awarded a $611,911 provide the airports with passenger demo- contract to Parsons Brinckerhoff graphic and demand data to aid in their Quade & Douglas, Inc. to efforts to improve their economic competi- assist in evaluating regional tiveness; and to provide the FAA with a D useable data set for further regional analysis. air service. The study, which will be coordinated with similar ongoing efforts in Southern “The purpose of the study is to New York State and the Metro New York determine the facilities’ potential and City areas, will provide an analysis and capacity to provide air service for assessment of Trenton Mercer (TNN), travelers in South Jersey and Atlantic City (ACY), and Lehigh Valley Southeastern Pennsylvania.” (ABE) airports, and define their potential market areas. The purpose of the study The study will develop forecasts of is to determine the facilities’ potential aviation activity at the three commercial and capacity to provide air service for airports to the year 2025, and will generate travelers in South Jersey and Southeastern the information necessary to provide the Pennsylvania who traditionally use airports highest levels of commercial airline service in the New York metropolitan region; to to air passengers in the region.

4 DVRPC FUNDS OVER $1.1 BILLION IN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS t its June meeting, the DVRPC Board adopted the FY2006 Transportation A Improvement Program (TIP) for New Jersey, for the counties of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer. By its action, the Board gave the green light for nearly 130 projects totaling $1.1 billion in state and federal funds to advance over the next three years, FY2006-FY2008. “The Board gave the green light for TIP PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS nearly 130 projects totaling $1.1 billion in state and federal funds.” BURLINGTON COUNTY MERCER COUNTY The TIP is the regional list of priority $ Route 206 at Old York Road and Rising Sun Road, $ Alexander Road bridge over Amtrak, $9.1 M. transportation projects, including bridge, near NJ Turnpike Exit 7, connector road and other $ Route I-295 Rehabilitation, Route 1 to Route I-195, roadway and transit projects as well as improvements, final $13.9 M of $26.0 M total cost. final $7.0 M of $14.0 M total cost. $ bicycle, pedestrian and freight initiatives. Route I-295 at Route 38, addition of missing $ Route 33 bridge over Conrail, $11.7 M. Work has been ongoing for a number of ramps, $25.3 M toward $112.5 M total cost. months on the NJ TIP; gathering input on $ Route 73 at Fox Meadow Road and Fellowship VARIOUS COUNTIES project needs, building consensus among Road, widening and interchange improvements, $ Bridge Deck Preservation Program, $11.1 M. $29.9 M. the region’s planning partners, while insur- $ Emergency Service Patrols, $14.7 M. ing that all federal requirements are met, $ Route 70 and Route 73, Marlton Circle elimination, $ Rail-Highway Grade Crossing Program, $5.1 M. including those concerning financial con- $31.2 M toward $43.8 M total cost. straint, air quality and public participation. $ Traffic Operations Center, $10.8 M. CAMDEN COUNTY In addition to the TIP, the DVRPC $ NJ TRANSIT Board adopted the Destination 2030 Maple Ave. (Pennsauken) and Chapel Ave. (Cherry Hill) bridges over NJ TRANSIT, $11.1 M. $ Bus Acquisition Program, $38.4 M. Long Range Plan and the air quality conformity finding at its June meeting. $ Route I-295 to Route 42 Missing Moves, additional $ Various Bus System Support projects, $68.5 M. This conformity process ensures that plans ramps, $82.7M. $ River Line Operating Assistance, $35.5 M and Debt and programs receiving federal funding are $ Route 130 and Route 30, Collingswood Circle Service, $148.5 M. consistent with national, state and regional elimination, final $17.2 M of $29.4 M total cost. $ Various Rail System Support projects, $94.7 M. air quality goals. $ Route 73 and Route 30, Berlin Circle elimination, $ Rail Station Revitalization, $20.3 M. To invite public comment on the TIP, final $27.1 M of $51.3 M total cost. Plan and conformity documents, DVRPC DRPA/PATCO GLOUCESTER COUNTY opened a 30-day public comment period $ Purchase/Rebuild PATCO Rail Cars, $14.5 M. $ Route I-295 Paulsboro Brownfields Access, new ending June 2. Public meetings were held bridge and road, $13.0 M of $17.0 M total cost. and the documents were placed in numer- ous libraries and on the DVRPC website. $ Route I-295 Rehabilitation, Tomlin Station Rd. to Route 45, $31.4 M. Dozens of comments were received and provided to DVRPC’s committees $ Route 47 at Chapel Heights Ave. and East Holly Ave., and Board for consideration before the intersection improvement, $7.5 M. final action.

5 DVRPC BOARD ELECTS OFFICERS FOR FY 2006 amden County mental lawyer, and has authored numerous articles and handbooks on issues surrounding growth management Freeholder “We welcome the leadership abilities C Thomas J. Gurick and land use planning. and personalities that this fine team of has been elected Chair JERALD CURETON is a founding partner and President of the DVRPC Board and officials will bring to the Commission.” of Cureton Caplan, P.C., where he specializes in com- Executive Committee for mercial litigation and chairs the firm’s employment FY2006. The Board also out the Delaware Valley on the region’s “oldies” radio law department. He is a graduate of Temple University elected Senior Policy station, WOGL 98.1 FM, and on KYW News Radio 1060 and the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College Manager of the ABOVE_Thomas J. Gurick as a traffic reporter. A third-generation Gloucester City of William and Mary. Cureton is a member of the Pennsylvania Governor’s resident, his election to the Board of Chosen Freeholders New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and American Bar Policy Office, Joanne R. Denworth, as Vice-Chair; in 2000 made him the first Gloucester City resident Association, as well as the Burlington County and Burlington County representative Jerald R. Cureton as to serve as Freeholder in 40 years. In addition to his Camden County Bar Associations. Cureton served as Secretary; and Bucks County Commissioner Charles H. Freeholder duties, Gurick is also a member of the Treasurer of DVRPC’s Board in FY2005. Martin as Treasurer. Their terms began on July 1,2005 Camden County Planning Board and acts as Liaison CHARLES MARTIN, a Bucks County Commissioner and will continue through June, 2006. to the Camden County Department of Public Works. since 1995, has over 30 years professional corporate “We welcome the leadership abilities and personal- He served as Vice-Chair of DVRPC’s Board for FY2005. experience in customer service and public relations ities that this fine team of officials will bring to the JOANNE R. DENWORTH, who served as DVRPC Board including media relations, consumer affairs, public Commission,” said John J. Cosica, Executive Director. Chair for FY2005, is Senior Policy Manager for the policy, emergency planning and quality management. THOMAS GURICK is an elected member of the Camden Pennsylvania Governor’s Policy Office. She is respon- Martin served 12 years as a local elected township County Board of Chosen Freeholders and professional sible for policy issues in state agencies relating to trans- official establishing policy, developing budget and radio personality who began his on-air career at portation, land use, water and sewer infrastructure, and responding to constituents. Martin served as Secretary Camden’s WCAM at age 16. His voice is heard through- energy. Ms. Denworth is also a land use and environ- of DVRPC’s Board for FY2005.

DVRPC NEWS PUBLISHED BY THE DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION VOLUME 27, NO. 1

DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION PHONE: 215-592-1800 190 N. INDEPENDENCE MALL WEST FAX: 215-592-9125 8TH FLOOR WEBSITE: www.dvrpc.org PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106-1520

DVRPC NEWS BUCKS Published by Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Office of Communications and Public Affairs MERCER MONTGOMERY Candace Snyder, Director Elise Denmon, Editor

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State of New Jersey Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation New Jersey Dept. of Transportation Pennsylvania Governor’s Policy Office New Jersey Dept. of Community Affairs PHILA BURLINGTON

Bucks County Burlington County CHESTER ★ Chester County Camden County CAMDEN Delaware County Gloucester County DELAWARE

Montgomery County Mercer County GLOUCESTER City of Chester City of Camden City of Philadelphia City of Trenton FY2006 BOARD OFFICERS Thomas J. Gurick, Chairman Jerald R. Cureton, Secretary Joanne R. Denworth, Vice Chairman Charles H. Martin, Treasurer Since its establishment in 1965, DVRPC has been instrumental in ensuring the orderly John J. Coscia, Executive Director growth of the bi-state region. As the federally-funded metropolitan planning organization, DVRPC News is funded through grants from the Federal Highway Administration DVRPC also provides data and consulting services to public and private sector organizations, (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Pennsylvania and New Jersey and fosters cooperation among all levels of government. Shown above is the nine-county departments of transportation, and DVRPC’s member governments. Delaware Valley region. SUMMER 2005

6